In close collaboration with our community partners (clinics, hospitals, health care providers) and the wider community, the staff of the Epidemiology and Communicable Disease Program works to perform case investigations and contact tracing on reportable communicable disease cases.

The Epidemiology and Communicable Disease Program is continuously working with area medical providers to update them on ongoing disease trends as revealed by the data that the program is constantly collecting. The program also helps county health care providers by making available the most current information on the testing, treatment, and prevention of communicable disease.

The Epidemiology and Communicable Disease Program of the Will County Health Department works constantly to provide the most current information/prevention and control guidelines to the general public in order to increase awareness of the symptoms and incidence of communicable disease in the county.

Wild Animals Can Carry Dangerous Diseases

If you live in Will County, you have probably seen deer, coyotes, foxes, and other wildlife frolicking not far from your home.
Local population growth has reduced animal living space and forced wildlife to seek shelter in, or very near residential communities. Lee Schild D.V.M. believes animals and humans can still coexist peacefully, but he knows that humans need to make sure wild animals don't get too close.

International Travel Brings Dangerous Diseases to Our Doorstep

Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), a potentially fatal virus which has now sickened hundreds in 12 countries and carries a fatality rate of more than 30 percent. In 2012, health officials from the Arabian Peninsula reported the first cases of what is now called Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), a potentially fatal virus which has now sickened hundreds in 12 countries and carries a fatality rate of more than 30 percent.

Influenza Has Peaked According to the CDC

According to the CDC, the influenza outbreak that was so widespread during much of the winter has peaked and activity has decreased in most parts of the U.S. During the latest reporting period (the week ending March 3-9), there were no states reporting high influenza-like activity. According to the latest Overview of Influenza Surveillance in the United States, Illinois has gone from reporting high flu incidence to reporting only localized outbreaks.

It's Not Too Late for a Flu Shot!

Most area students are returning to the classroom this week, and the Will County Health Department will be watching. Illinois is one of nearly 40 states currently experiencing widespread influenza activity and the Health Department will be monitoring school attendance to help gauge the severity of the local problem. If current trends continue, the 2012-2013 flu season could be memorable.

Frequently Asked Questions About MRSA

What is Staphylococcus aureus (staph)?

Staphylococcus aureus, often referred to simply as "staph," are bacteria commonly carried on the skin or in the nose of healthy people. Approximately 25% to 30o/o of the population is colonized (when bacteria are present , but not causing an infection) in the nose with staph bacteria.